Director of Planning & Development Position Available In Walton, Florida

Between $96k and
$156k
Per Year
(Will discuss with applicant)
Position range in Florida $61k – $92k Per Year Director of Planning & Development
Walton County Board of County Commissioners

Occupation:

Urban and Regional Planners

Location:

Defuniak Springs, FL – 32433
Positions available: 1
Job #: 12480449

Source:

Employ Florida

Posted:

4/9/2025

Updated:

4/9/2025

Expires:

6/8/2025

Web Site:

Employ Florida
Onsite /

Remote:

Work onsite all of the time

Job Type:

Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment, Day Shift

Agency Job ID:

108937 Job Requirements and Properties Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Opens a new window. Job Requirements and Properties Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Opens a new window.

BD 120 40

Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window.
Job Summary The Director of Planning & Development is a highly responsible, professional, and technical employee who manages and coordinates the activities and functions of the Planning and Development Services Division. This position performs work of unusual difficulty that will focus on administrative work including comprehensive planning and development review, community/neighborhood planning, GIS mapping, transportation planning, zoning compliance, floodplain management, site inspection, permitting, and coordinates with County Emergency Management for the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS). Essential Job Functions

• Acts as Walton County’s primary professional advisor in matters of comprehensive planning, land use, and development
• Supervises review process of all development projects and reviews staff recommendations presented to various boards and commissions
• Coordinates efforts between citizen and county affiliated groups as necessary, to include but not limited to: Community/Neighborhood Groups, GIS, County Emergency Management, Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS)
• Collaborates with the Code Compliance department staff on code compliance related matters
• Serves as an advisor for the Planning Commission and other applicable commissions, boards, and agencies
• Make presentations to the Board as necessary and as required in matters related to Planning and Development issues
• Directs planning review of Sector Plan applications, Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) amendment applications along with consistency review of technical projects, ensuring compliance and appropriate reporting of all Sector Plan and DRI projects
• Leads professional planning staff in the development of and implementation of initiatives in all planning areas
• Prepare reports on departmental activities and other reports based on research and study of departmental operations
• Responsible for the concurrency and consistency of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of subordinate supervisors and employees including determining work procedures and schedules, issuing instructions and assigning duties, reviewing work, recommending personnel actions, conducting performance reviews, and arranging for departmental training and orientation
• Responsible for Floodplain Management Review of development applications, implementation of the FEMA Community Rating System and its requirements
• Responsible for management and implementation of the Mobility Plan and Mobility Fee System for transportation
• Coordinates the efforts of the Affordable Housing Initiative Program and expenditure of State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) funds
• Acts as the primary chair for the Technical Review Committee
• Final decision maker on all administrative development applications
• Coordinates, directs, and controls a wide variety of administrative responsibilities
• Manage and review department budget, including attending any budget hearings or meetings as required
• Adheres to work schedule and attendance requirements, including nights and weekends
• Performs other work as directed and required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of personnel rules and regulations, statutes, ordinances, regulations, and codes under which the Walton County BCC operates
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws, rules and regulations, policies, and procedures relating to planning, transportation, growth management, development, building, and zoning, including any relevant state statutes
• Knowledge of planning, community and economic development management practices
• Knowledge of Land Development Regulations as they apply to building construction, setbacks, zoning, and density regulations
• Knowledge of various building and planning related codes that are adopted by the State of Florida and Walton County
• Knowledge of economic and governmental finance, and the principles and practices of architecture, coastal resources, conservation, recreation and open spaces, transportation, roadway functional classifications, congestion management, and traffic engineering as applied to planning
• Knowledge of the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other related software
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations
• Ability to motivate, train, direct, and manage personnel
• Ability to make decisions, analyze complex information, and make oral and written presentations
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with civic leaders, employees, and the public
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with public officials, peers, other divisions and departments, and citizens
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, architecture, urban design, or similar field
• Ten (10) or more years of progressive and professional experience in a planning and community development role, or a closely related field
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience in a management/supervisory capacity
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred:

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, architecture, urban design, or a closely related field
• Certification in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
• Professional experience in municipal administration or government experience

Note:

At the discretion of the hiring manager and/or the Director of Human Resources an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Physical Demands and Work Environment
The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Sits or stands for long periods of time. Communicates effectively in person and/or by using telecommunications equipment. Creates documents, reports, etc., using a writing instrument (such as a pencil or pen) or computer. Grasps, turns, and manipulates objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Moves, lifts, carries, and places objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance. Work is performed mostly in an office setting where the noise level is usually quiet. Travel between locations to effectively address the organizational needs of the department. This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Walton County.

Effective Date:

04/05/2025

Department:

Planning & Development
Position #: 10455

Job Class:

Department Lead

Personnel Status:

Full Time Permanent
Position Reports to:

Assistant County Administrator FSLA Status:

Exempt (Executive)

EEO Class:

Officials/Administrative

EEO Function:

Community Development Pay Plan:

W29

Safety Sensitive:

No The Walton County Board of County Commissioners is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, religion, Veterans’ or any other legally protected status. Help for Employer Information. Opens a new window.